Course descriptions for the Master's in Special Education program

SPED 517 Tests and Measurements: Assessing Students with Special NeedsIntroduces basic concepts of psychometrics for administration and interpretation of norm- and criterion-referenced assessment techniques appropriate for exceptional learners. Emphasis is on using assessment findings for instructional planning.

SPED 524 Teaching Students with High Incidence Disabilities Age 3-22Focuses on the characteristics and instructional strategies to create effective learning environments for students with high incidence disabilities, age 3-22. Instruction is blended face-to-face and online.

SPED 525 Teaching Students with Low Incidence Disabilities Age 3-22Focuses on the characteristics and instructional strategies to create effective learning environments for students age 3-22 with low incidence disabilities, which includes moderate to severe mental impairments. Instruction is blended face-to-face and online.

SPED 519 Remediation of Language and Communication DisordersIncludes a review of theories and development of speech and language in childhood and adolescence. Evaluation of approaches to assessment- and empirically-based remediation, with special consideration for both clinical and classroom intervention.

SPED 514 Reading Disabilities Theory and InterventionsExamines theoretical perspectives in reading disabilities, with an analysis of appropriate curriculum materials for use with students who have a reading disability. Emphasis on current research, protocols, technologies, and assessment instruments. Instruction is blended face-to-face and online.

SPED 530 Communication and Collaboration in Special Education: Strategies and MethodsProvides an overview of knowledge and skills needed to work collaboratively with school professionals, community agencies, and families to support the needs of students with disabilities.

SPED 620 Special Education In Today’s ClassroomOffers in-depth investigation into topics such as transition, assessment, assistive technology, cultural issues, and specific issues, with implications to instruction and intervention. Includes a seven week practicum in a low incidence setting.

SPED 680 Research in Special Education: Project DesignExplores a variety of research approaches, an evaluation of strengths and weaknesses of research studies, and discusses applications. Students select and design the parameters for a thesis project. Instruction is blended face-to-face and online.

SPED 683 The Law and Current ChallengesIncludes the historical and current legal requirements for serving students with special needs, and examines current challenges in the field of special education.

SPED 685 Master’s ProjectIn this course, students complete and present their master’s projects.